If you were born in December, you have the unique privilege of being represented by two incredibly distinct and festive flowers: the holly and the narcissus (specifically the paperwhite).
While one symbolizes protection, domestic happiness, and eternal life amidst the winter snow, the other represents sweetness, purity, and faithfulness.
Choosing a December birth flower tattoo is a beautiful way to celebrate your winter birthday with a design that is full of meaning and seasonal charm.
Deciding on a permanent piece of body art is a big step, but it’s also an exciting journey of self-expression.
To help you find a design that resonates with your spirit, we have curated a list of 14 stunning design ideas featuring holly and narcissus.
Whether you are looking for a subtle, minimalist nod to your birth month or a bold, colorful statement piece, this guide has plenty of inspiration.
We will explore various artistic styles, ideal placements, and the rich symbolism behind these winter blooms.
Grab a hot cocoa, get cozy under a blanket, and let’s explore the enchanting world of December birth flower tattoos.
The Magic Behind a December Birth Flower Tattoo
Before we dive into the gallery of designs, let’s take a moment to appreciate why the holly and narcissus are such special symbols.
A December birth flower tattoo is more than just a pretty picture; it’s a badge of resilience. These plants thrive in the colder months, reminding us that beauty and life persist even in the depth of winter.
The process of designing your tattoo is a creative adventure. It’s the perfect time to gather your thoughts and visualize your ideal ink. Using a high-quality sketchbook is a great way to keep your ideas organized.
The {Moleskine Classic Notebook} is perfect for this, offering a durable space to jot down placement ideas, paste inspiration photos, or sketch out rough concepts to share with your artist during your consultation.
Symbolism of Holly and Narcissus
- Holly: Known for its evergreen leaves and bright red berries, it symbolizes eternal life, protection, and domestic happiness. In ancient times, it was believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Narcissus (Paperwhite): These delicate white flowers represent sweetness, purity, and faithfulness. They are a sign that spring is on its way, symbolizing hope and renewal.
- Combined: Together, they tell a story of enduring joy, protection, and the promise of new beginnings.
14 Stunning Design Ideas for Your December Birth Flower Tattoo
Ready to find the perfect winter-inspired ink? Here are fourteen unique ideas for your December birth flower tattoo.
1. The Classic Holly Sprig on the Wrist
A small sprig of holly with its iconic spiky leaves and bright red berries is a timeless choice. Placed on the inner wrist, it serves as a festive and cheerful reminder of your birth month.
This design works beautifully in color to capture the contrast between the deep green and vibrant red, but it also looks elegant in black and grey.
To keep a colorful tattoo like this looking bright and sharp, proper aftercare is essential. Keeping the skin moisturized prevents scabbing that can pull out the ink.
{Aquaphor Healing Ointment} is a go-to for tattoo artists because it creates a protective barrier that keeps the tattoo hydrated and promotes healing without clogging pores.
2. Narcissus Bouquet on the Forearm
For a softer, more floral look, a bouquet of paperwhite narcissus flowers on the forearm is stunning. The delicate, star-shaped blooms look incredible in a fine-line style or with soft shading. T
his placement allows for a vertical design that elongates the arm and showcases the elegance of the flower stems.
3. Holly and Narcissus Wreath
Combine both of your birth flowers into a beautiful circular wreath. This design represents the cycle of the year and eternal life. It looks fantastic on the shoulder cap, the thigh, or even centered on the back.
The mix of the spiky holly leaves and the soft narcissus petals creates a lovely textural contrast.
Designing a wreath requires getting the circular shape just right. If you are sketching this yourself, using a geometry set can help you create a perfect frame.
The {Mr. Pen Geometry Set} includes a compass that is perfect for drawing precise circles, helping you draft a balanced and professional-looking concept for your tattoo.
4. Minimalist Holly Berry Behind the Ear
For a subtle and sweet December birth flower tattoo, consider a tiny cluster of holly berries tucked behind the ear. This placement is discreet and charming.
A simple pop of red ink for the berries with a minimal green outline for a leaf is all you need for a stylish, hidden gem.
5. Watercolor Style Winter Bloom
Capture the dreamy quality of winter with a watercolor-style tattoo. This technique uses splashes of color that bleed outside the lines, mimicking paint on canvas.
A watercolor holly or narcissus design can incorporate cool blues and frosty whites to enhance the winter theme, making it a truly unique piece of art.
6. Geometric Holly Design
Merge the organic shapes of nature with the clean lines of geometry. A design that frames a holly branch inside a diamond or triangle creates a modern and edgy look.
This style is perfect for those who want a December birth flower tattoo that feels contemporary and sharp.
7. Narcissus with a Name
Personalize your tattoo by weaving a loved one’s name or your own birth date into the stem of a narcissus flower.
The long, slender stems of the paperwhite are perfect for transitioning into elegant script. This adds a deeply personal layer of meaning to your December birth flower tattoo.
When planning a text-based tattoo, playing with different calligraphy styles is helpful. The {Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens} are excellent for this, allowing you to experiment with thick and thin lines to create beautiful, flowing script that you can show to your artist as a reference.
8. The “Winter Garden” Thigh Piece
The thigh provides a large canvas, perfect for a lush, detailed “winter garden” scene. You can combine holly, narcissus, poinsettias, and even pinecones to create a rich, botanical masterpiece. This placement allows for intricate shading and deep color saturation.
To ensure your skin is ready for a large, detailed piece like this, a good moisturizing routine is key. Hydrated skin takes ink better.
Using a rich, non-greasy lotion like {Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion} in the weeks leading up to your appointment will leave your skin soft and ready for the needle.
9. Single Line Narcissus
For the ultimate minimalist look, choose a single-line drawing of a narcissus flower. The artist uses one continuous line to form the petals and stem.
This style is elegant, modern, and looks beautiful on the ribcage or ankle. It’s a subtle nod to your birth flower without being loud.
10. Holly and Cardinal Tattoo
Pair your December birth flower with a winter bird like the cardinal. The bright red of the bird matches the holly berries perfectly, creating a cohesive and vibrant design.
Cardinals are often associated with visitors from heaven, adding a spiritual element to your tattoo.
11. White Ink Narcissus
For something ethereal and ghost-like, consider a white ink tattoo of a paperwhite narcissus. This style is incredibly subtle and looks like a delicate lace pattern on the skin. It captures the snowy essence of December perfectly.
White ink tattoos require special care to prevent them from fading or turning yellow in the sun. Using a targeted sunscreen stick is highly recommended.
The {Mad Rabbit DEFEND Tattoo Sunscreen} is perfect for this, allowing you to apply protection precisely over your tattoo to keep it looking crisp and white.
12. Traditional Style Holly
If you love bold lines and solid colors, the American Traditional style is a great choice. A traditional holly tattoo features thick black outlines and saturated greens and reds. It’s a classic look that stands the test of time and holds up well over the years.
13. Narcissus and Snowflake
Combine your birth flower with a unique snowflake design to emphasize the winter season. The snowflake can be placed behind the flower or falling around it. This design celebrates the beauty of winter and the uniqueness of your birth month.
14. Patchwork Style Holly Leaf
For those building a “sticker sleeve” or patchwork collection, a single holly leaf is a perfect addition.
Designed with a clean border to look like a patch or sticker, it fits easily into small gaps between other tattoos. It’s a fun, low-commitment way to add your December birth flower tattoo to your collection.
Where to Place Your December Birth Flower Tattoo
The placement of your tattoo can change its entire vibe. Here are a few things to consider for your holly or narcissus design:
- Wrist/Ankle: Perfect for small, delicate sprigs or single flowers.
- Forearm/Calf: Great for vertical designs like long-stemmed narcissus or bouquets.
- Shoulder/Thigh: Ideal for larger, more detailed pieces like wreaths or garden scenes.
- Ribcage/Spine: Offers a sensual and private placement for elegant, linear designs.
Caring for Your Winter Ink
Getting a tattoo in the winter has its perks—you’re likely covered up, protecting the ink from the sun! However, winter air can be drying.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized.
- Cleanse: Wash gently with a mild soap like {Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap} to keep it clean without irritation.
- Moisturize: Use a thin layer of breathable ointment or lotion. Avoid heavy wool or scratchy fabrics directly on fresh ink.
Summary of Recommended Products
Here is a quick list of the products we mentioned to help you plan, prep, and heal your new tattoo.
| Product Name | Category | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Moleskine Classic Notebook | Planning | High-quality paper perfect for sketching and organizing tattoo ideas. |
| Aquaphor Healing Ointment | Aftercare | Creates a protective barrier to keep tattoos hydrated and heal smoothly. |
| Mr. Pen Geometry Set | Design | Essential for drafting precise circles and geometric frames for wreaths. |
| Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pens | Design | Great for testing out script styles for names or dates. |
| Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion | Prep | Keeps skin healthy and hydrated, creating the perfect canvas for ink. |
| Mad Rabbit DEFEND Tattoo Sunscreen | Protection | Easy-to-use stick for protecting delicate white ink or color tattoos. |
| Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Soap | Aftercare | The trusted standard for gently cleaning fresh tattoos. |
Final Thoughts
A December birth flower tattoo is a wonderful way to honor your unique place in the calendar. Whether you choose the protective holly or the sweet narcissus, these designs celebrate resilience, joy, and new beginnings.
Take your time finding an artist whose style you love, and don’t be afraid to ask for a custom design that combines elements that are special to you.
Your body is a canvas, and your December birth flower tattoo should be a piece of art you cherish forever. We hope these 14 stunning designs have inspired you to take the plunge. Happy tattooing
